Outlook attachments are files that are included with an email message. These attachments can be a variety of file types, such as documents, images, spreadsheets, and more. They can be used to share information, collaborate on projects, and provide additional context to an email message.
But there are many users reporting that they are not able to open their attachments in Outlook. So to fix this issue here in this blogs post how to fix errors opening attachments in Outlook. Now, if you are facing this issue, then read out this blog post.
Now, before going to the let’s understand the need for attachments and why users use these features.
Common Uses of Outlook Attachments
- Sharing documents: Attaching a document, such as a Word or PDF file, allows the recipient to view or edit the document directly from their email.
- Sending images: Attaching an image, such as a JPEG or PNG file, allows the recipient to view the image without having to open a separate program.
- Collaborating on projects: Attaching a spreadsheet, such as an Excel file, allows multiple people to work on the same document and share updates via email.
- Providing additional context: Attaching a presentation, such as a PowerPoint file, allows the recipient to view a slideshow that provides additional context to the email message.
- Sending large files: Attaching large files can be done by compressing them into zip files before sending them.
Reasons for Error Opening Attachments in Outlook
There are several reasons why you may be encountering an error when trying to open attachments in Outlook. Some of the common reasons include:
- File association issues: The file type of the attachment may not be associated with the correct program on your computer. This can prevent the attachment from being opened.
- Protected View: Outlook has a feature called Protected View, which can block attachments from being opened. If this feature is enabled, you may encounter an error when trying to open attachments.
- Email security settings: Some email security settings can block attachments from being opened. This can happen if the attachment is considered to be a potential threat, such as a file with a suspicious file extension or one that is too large.
- Antivirus software: Your antivirus software may be blocking the attachment from being opened. This can happen if the attachment is considered to be a potential threat, such as a file with a suspicious file extension or one that contains malware.
- Incompatible attachment format: The attachment may be in a format that is not compatible with the version of Outlook you are using. This can happen if the attachment is created with a newer version of a program than the one you have installed.
- Corrupted PST files: If the PST files that Outlook uses to store the attachments are corrupted, it may cause attachments not to open.
Limited storage or slow internet connection: If the recipient is receiving the attachments over a slow internet connection, or their system is running out of storage, it can cause the attachments not to open.
Best Way to Open Outlook Attachments in Outlook
If you are facing an error opening attachments in Outlook, then you can try the Outlook Attachment Extractor is software that is used to extract attachments from Outlook PST files. This software allows you to extract attachments from a single PST file or multiple PST files at once. It also allows you to extract attachments based on specific criteria such as date range, sender, and recipient.
Some of the key features of this tool:
- Extracts attachments from multiple PST files at once
- Extracts attachments from different types of Outlook items like emails, contacts, calendars, etc.
- Allows you to extract attachments based on specific criteria such as date range, sender, and recipient
- Allows you to save the extracted attachments in a variety of file formats such as PDF, HTML, and Text
- Allows you to extract attachments from password-protected PST files
- The user interface is simple and easy to use.
Manual Ways to Fix Error Opening Attachments in Outlook
If you are experiencing issues with attachments not opening in Outlook, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. Here are some solutions to try:
Tip 1: Check your File Associations
Make sure the file type of the attachment is associated with the correct program on your computer. You can do this by right-clicking on the attachment and selecting “Open with” to choose a different program.
Tip 2: Disable Protected View
Outlook has a feature called Protected View, which can block attachments from being opened. So if your protected view is enabled, follow the below steps:
1. First, open the Outlook application and go to File.
2. After this go to Options.
3. Now navigate to the Trust Center.
4. In Trust Center Settings choose the Protected View option.
Tip 3: Check your Email Security Settings
Some email security settings can block attachments from being opened. So if you are using any email security programs that block your email attachments, then verify that the attachments you are trying to open are not being blocked by your security settings.
Tip 4: Check the Attachment’s Format
Some attachments may not be compatible with the version of Outlook you are using. Try opening the attachment on a different computer or device to see if the issue is with the attachment itself.
Tip 5: Run the Inbox Repair Tool
As we said in the reason part that if the Outlook data file is corrupted then you will notice this error. So in that case you can try Outlook’s built-in tool called Scanpst.exe which can repair corrupt PST files. You can use this tool to check and repair your PST file which may cause the attachments not to open.
Tool Tip
Well, you can try scanpst.exe to repair the minor corruption of the Outlook data file. But in the case of major corruption then you can try MSOUTLOOKTOOLS PST Repair Tool which is one the most trusted and reliable solutions to fix the damaged Outlook data file.
Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Emails from Outlook
Conclusion
If you are in a situation, where you are not able to open the attachment in Outlook, then go through this blog post here you will get all the possible ways to fix the error opening attachments in Outlook.
